The Definitions of Intensity and Density - Training Q&A

I thought that this was a really interesting tidbit. "Intensity" and "Density" are usually such a subjective thing, but I realize there must be some sort of general approach to it all...

Density

Q:When people call a physique “dense” what do they mean? Is it overall size – the guy is big – or is it something else? I know that sounds stupid, but I guess I always wondered how to define that and what it means.

A:No dumb questions here. We question so we can understand. It’s also a nebulous term that people throw around a lot so it’s good to actually question, “Hey, what do you mean by that? Do you even know?” I remember back in the 80’s and 90’s people threw around the term “Muscle Maturity”. I always knew what they meant, case by case, looking at someone on stage or in a magazine, but it wasn’t something anyone could actually describe definitively. Density is a kind of quality that denotes a thick, full muscular development, but also looks a little turgid. A good example of this is an iceberg. I remember seeing an iceberg break off in chunks up in Alaska. The captain of the boat said, “The bluer the hue of the ice, the denser and older that ice is. I really did think of muscle at the same time hearing that because it really struck a cord. Density looks different than mere size. Anything can be massive in proportion, and to some extent, size does qualify for some density criteria because you can’t be that dense without a certain bit of size. However, size is not the only criteria. Density is a kind of packing in of muscle and tissue that means that there appears to be a lot of filling in one concentrated area. Dense, in relation to bodybuilding, is also a kind of completeness in all areas. You cannot really have a dense physique if you have surrounding areas that are not. You can have weak body parts, but not a big disparity in density. Hope this helps.

Intensity

Q:My buddy and I were having a debate the other day about what “intensity” means in terms of an actual workout on paper. Do you think this workout is intense, too intense or not intense?

Straight Leg Deadlifts: 4 x 4 (12,10,8,6 + drop set for 8)

Hamstring curls 3 x 8-12

Good Mornings 3 x 10,10,10

Calves - 6 sets

Biceps: Ez Bar Curls 5 x 12,11, 10, 9, 8

Preacher Curls: 5 x 12,11,10,9,8

Hammer curl 2 x 8-10

A:No dumb questions here. We question so we can understand. It’s also a nebulous term that people throw around a lot so it’s good to actually question, “Hey, what do you mean by that? Do you even know?” I remember back in the 80’s and 90’s people threw around the term “Muscle Maturity”. I always knew what they meant, case by case, looking at someone on stage or in a magazine, but it wasn’t something anyone could actually describe definitively. Density is a kind of quality that denotes a thick, full muscular development, but also looks a little turgid. A good example of this is an iceberg. I remember seeing an iceberg break off in chunks up in Alaska. The captain of the boat said, “The bluer the hue of the ice, the denser and older that ice is. I really did think of muscle at the same time hearing that because it really struck a cord. Density looks different than mere size. Anything can be massive in proportion, and to some extent, size does qualify for some density criteria because you can’t be that dense without a certain bit of size. However, size is not the only criteria. Density is a kind of packing in of muscle and tissue that means that there appears to be a lot of filling in one concentrated area. Dense, in relation to bodybuilding, is also a kind of completeness in all areas. You cannot really have a dense physique if you have surrounding areas that are not. You can have weak body parts, but not a big disparity in density. Hope this helps.

Peace out, Dane

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